Pet Healthcare: Prevention Happens at Home

Most of us spend so much of every day managing the various responsibilities of parenthood, holding down a job, keeping our families fed and our relationships happy, that it’s difficult to notice inconsistencies in our pets’ normal behavior. It’s important to pay close attention, however, as changes in behavior often signify an illness. Since animals can’t necessarily voice their complaints to us in an easily understandable way, we have to be proactive as owners to keep an eye on their health. There are countless lists on the internet of “things to watch out for” according to various veterinarians, and it can get a bit overwhelming. So, we’ve compiled our own list of the most oft-recurring points, so you have a basic care manual to refer to in your own home. Prevention is the best medicine, so print this out and keep it on the fridge; pet care is a family affair!

Yearly check ups are crucial!

Yearly exams actually save money in the long run because they increase the chance that a serious illness will be caught early on. If something about your pet’s health is abnormal, it will be easier to notice if the vet has a compendium of data reflecting their baseline good health. Differences don’t stand out as clearly without a baseline background.

Pay extra attention to your cat.

Cats don’t present symptoms as obviously as other animals, so many vets recommend taking them in for checkups twice a year. Pay attention to behavioural changes in between appointments such as peeing outside the litterbox, not greeting you at the door, weight loss, and lack of appetite.

Exercise and a good diet are crucial.

Funny how pet healthcare echoes our own, eh? Don’t overfeed your pet: excessive weight can lead to a variety of problems, even in young animals. If you’re not able to take Buster on a daily walk or run, don’t fret! Hot Diggity! offers high energy runs for dogs that need a little extra oomph in their daily routine. We all need a little extra motivation sometimes!

Don’t neglect dental care!

In addition to preventing cavities and extra-icky dog breath, regular appointments can identify receding or abscessed gums and infection which often lead to infections of the heart or kidneys. In short: don’t ever be embarrassed by toothbrush treats for your dog and make sure dental checkups are part of their yearly exam.